Naples & Amalfi Coast: Timeless Beauty and Coastal Charm

Discover ancient Greek and Roman ruins in the labyrinth of underground tunnels located 130 feet (40m) below street level.

Head underground to see a fascinating side of Naples where hidden mysteries and interesting historic stories appear around every corner. Located at the original site of the ancient Forum, you can see the remnants of a Roman theater as well as the aqueducts and cisterns which once supplied the city with drinking water. The passages were originally hewn to extract tufa stone used in construction and to channel water from Mt Vesuvius. More recently, the network of conduits and cisterns was used as an air-raid shelter during WWII. Part of the tour takes place by candlelight via extremely narrow passages, so it's not suitable for those who are claustrophobic or have trouble squeezing through tight spaces.

Walk down this picturesque street to shop where the Neapolitans do when they create their beloved Christmas nativity scenes.

Still central to the city's traditional core is the centuries-old tradition of the nativity scene, or as they are locally known, "presepe" (i.e. cribs). Crowds throng the narrow Via San Gregorio Armeno to stock up on tiny figurines and settings for their own home nativity scenes. The street is lined with souvenir shops selling less expensive figurines as well as the shops of highly-specialized craftsmen making true works of art.

Admire this lavish 13th-century Gothic cathedral which contains miraculous vials of blood of the patron saint of the city, San Gennaro.

The Duomo is a Gothic building from the early 13th century, although its 19th-century facade is actually Gothic Revival. The jaw-droppingly ornate Royal Chapel of the Treasure of St. Januarius is a Baroque addition to church. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, San Gennaro, and precious vials of the saint's blood have been preserved in the chapel.  San Gennaro was martyred at Pozzuoli, just outside Naples in 304 AD under the purges of Emperor Diocletian. Tradition has it that when his body was transferred to Naples' Duomo, two vials of his dried blood liquefied in the bishop's hands, since which time the miracle has continued to repeat itself no fewer than three times a year. Pope Francis was present for the miracle in March 2015, though the blood only half liquified, prompting the pontiff to quip that "the saint only half loves us". He then extorted the congregants to "spread the word, so that he loves us more!".

Naples Old Town

Slightly dilapidated and chaotic, but always energetic and effervescent, Naples's historic center has plenty of historic buildings and narrow alleys to keep you busy for several hours. Neapolitans often keep their front door open directly onto the street, exposing everyday life and family routines to passersby, making the experience all the more memorable and authentic.  Starting out from the Piazza del Gesù, with its fanciful Baroque plague column, you can cut right through the heart of old Naples on the crowded, chaotic Spaccanapoli. This straight, narrow main street was first built as the main thoroughfare of the original Roman town. Spaccanapoli is actually not an official street name but a popular term that literally means the "Naples splitter". It's full of life and noisy motorpeds at most times of the day, with some of the best street food on offer in Naples. It gets very crowded at certain spots in the evenings when the student population descends upon its favorite outdoor cafes and bars. But of course you'll want to wander into the warren of narrow lanes on either side of the Spaccanapoli, where you'll discover amazing churches, tiny little squares, and an abundance of restaurants, pubs, and cafes.

See for yourself why the Veiled Christ is the most famous and celebrated sculpture in Naples.

Located inside the Sansevero Chapel is what is considered one of the greatest sculptural masterpieces - the Veiled Christ. The effect of the fabric shroud on the supine Christ delicately covering and yet revealing every detail of the body (even down to the impressions of the stigmata) has made this also one of the most famous and moving sculptures in the world.  The rest of the chapel's interior is also striking. The chapel's patron, Raimondo di Sangro, was a mason and it is filled with masonic symbolism. The slightly erotic statue of Veiled Modesty was sculpted in memory of Raimondo's mother, who died at the age of 23, and is remarkable for the subtlety with which the veil clings to her body. Also of note are the two human cadavers in the chapel's crypt, which perfectly illustrate the complete vascular, renal and digestive systems of the human body.

Discover ancient Greek and Roman ruins in the labyrinth of underground tunnels located 130 feet (40m) below street level.

Head underground to see a fascinating side of Naples where hidden mysteries and interesting historic stories appear around every corner. Located at the original site of the ancient Forum, you can see the remnants of a Roman theater as well as the aqueducts and cisterns which once supplied the city with drinking water. The passages were originally hewn to extract tufa stone used in construction and to channel water from Mt Vesuvius. More recently, the network of conduits and cisterns was used as an air-raid shelter during WWII. Part of the tour takes place by candlelight via extremely narrow passages, so it's not suitable for those who are claustrophobic or have trouble squeezing through tight spaces.

Naples City Guided Walking Tour

Discover both the ancient and modern history of Naples as well as the real town: its people, the students, the food (the best pizzerias and pastry shops in Italy), and the craftsmanship on this three-hour private guided walking tour. Your personal guide will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Naples City Guided Walking Tour

Discover both the ancient and modern history of Naples as well as the real town: its people, the students, the food (the best pizzerias and pastry shops in Italy), and the craftsmanship on this three-hour private guided walking tour. Your personal guide will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Naples City Guided Walking Tour

Discover both the ancient and modern history of Naples as well as the real town: its people, the students, the food (the best pizzerias and pastry shops in Italy), and the craftsmanship on this three-hour private guided walking tour. Your personal guide will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Naples City Guided Walking Tour

Discover both the ancient and modern history of Naples as well as the real town: its people, the students, the food (the best pizzerias and pastry shops in Italy), and the craftsmanship on this three-hour private guided walking tour. Your personal guide will pick you up directly from your hotel.

Visit this fascinating restored Pompeiian home with a famous animal mosaic.

On the threshold is a mosaic dog, with the inscription cave canem ('beware of the dog'). Some of the most striking wall paintings housed in the National Archaeological Museum in the center of Naples were taken from this house.

Visit this incredibly well-preserved upper class residence.

The House of the Vetti is one of the richest and most famous sights in Pompeii. It was the property of two wealthy merchants, and it features some beautiful original wall paintings, still in their original positions, the most famous (or notorious) of which is the extraordinary front image of the god Priapus weighing his enormous phallus against a money bag.

See the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre - built in 70 BC!

The amphitheatre was used as a venue for bloody gladiatorial shows with a capacity to hold over 20,000 spectators. It is one of the oldest and most complete pre-Colosseum amphitheatres in the Roman world and was miraculously well preserved following the eruption in 79 AD.

Ruins of Pompeii

Possibly the most fascinating and accessible archaeological site in the world, Pompeii has been slowly revealing its secrets to the world since excavations began in earnest back in the late 18th century. Even today archaeologists are still uncovering unexplored parts of the site and building up a more accurate picture of how Pompeians lived prior to the catastrophic explosion of nearby Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. While the ruins are fairly easy to reach via the local train network, taking a guided tour from Naples can be a more comfortable experience. Since the site is so incredibly large, it is also helpful to see it with a good guide who will organize your time there, as well as tell you the history and stories behind what you see. On the other hand, traveling independently and using the very cost-effective Artecard for entrance allows you to see the ruins at your own pace.

Visit the Lupanare (brothel) of Pompeii to see the preserved erotic paintings and ancient grafiti.

The only brothel in town is located behind the Stabian Baths and has five small cells, each with its own built-in stone bed and a series of explicitly erotic paintings, possibly acting as a menu from which customers could identify their required services, or perhaps simply as a bit of "inspirational" decoration. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most visited ruins in Pompeii.

Visit this fascinating restored Pompeiian home with a famous animal mosaic.

On the threshold is a mosaic dog, with the inscription cave canem ('beware of the dog'). Some of the most striking wall paintings housed in the National Archaeological Museum in the center of Naples were taken from this house.

Walk around this imposing, star-shaped fortification that dates back to the 14th Century.

This impressive fortification, a 14th-century structure once used for incarcerating political prisoners, today lords it over the streets below as a mostly administrative center for historical heritage in the city. Head straight for the top of the castle to admire the outstanding views from its upper battlements and walk the perimeter of its fortress walls.

Check out this former monastery, which boasts a beautiful cloister and a museum of art.

This 14th-century edifice has the next best views over the bay and is home to the Museo Nazionale di San Martino - a depository of the best of 17th Neapolitan painting. The charm of this location is heightened by the Grand Cloister and the ingeniously constructed terraced gardens, which are well worth the entrance fee alone.

Vomero District

Spend time exploring Naples' more laid back district of Vomero, which is spread out on a hill above the city. You can ride to the top using Naples' excellent funicular rail services, the cost of which is covered by the highly recommended Arte Card. Once up to the top, you'll find yourself in the heart of the hill district, Piazza Vanvitelli, surrounded by four Neo-Renaissance palaces. It's a popular area for young people, who flock to its many bars, renowned ice-cream parlors, and pedestrianized cross streets. A stone's throw from both Piazza Vanvitelli you'll discover the Villa Floridiana, a beautifully sited public garden on a spur overlooking the sea, which is famous for its camellias. A five minute walk from the funicular will bring you to the Castel Sant'Elmo, where you can take in the views from the ramparts. Once done at the castle, you can visit one of the most beautiful cloisters in Italy next door at the Certosa San Martino monastery and see its superb repository of Neapolitan and Italian art.

Walk around this imposing, star-shaped fortification that dates back to the 14th Century.

This impressive fortification, a 14th-century structure once used for incarcerating political prisoners, today lords it over the streets below as a mostly administrative center for historical heritage in the city. Head straight for the top of the castle to admire the outstanding views from its upper battlements and walk the perimeter of its fortress walls.

Visit the most beautiful and most popular town on the Amalfi Coast.

Known for its colorful buildings, beautiful panoramas, excellent seafood restaurants and luxury boutique shops, Positano is the go-to town for most people visiting the Amalfi Coast. Wander its narrow streets, spend time on its beach front or walk to the top of town to enjoy the famous views over the town and sea below.

Visit the largest town on the Amalfi Coast known for its culture, history and beaches.

What was once an important trading centre is now a stunning seaside town and the second most visited after Positano. Spend time relaxing on the beach and dip your toes in the azure water, visit its historic Cathedral, enjoy a cold lemon spritz in one of its seafront restaurants or simply enjoy strolling around its lanes and take in its views.

Amalfi Coast

The wildly scenic Amalfi Coast that runs from Sorrento to Salerno is infamous for its coastal road which is known as one of the best white-knuckle scenic rides in Europe. Given the hairy driving, impossible parking and traffic, and overcrowded public buses, the Amalfi Coast is best explored by private boat or public ferry, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline and hop from town to town in comfort and without any delays. Unfortunately, the boats do not run all year, so depending on when you travel, your best bet for exploring the area may be with a guided tour by vehicle. The guide's local knowledge can help you avoid some of the traffic and cover the most beautiful spots. Of course a private tour at your own pace, by boat or car, is the ideal option.

Visit one of the most important Cathedrals on the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Cathedral called “Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo” can be found on the main Piazza Duomo in Amalfi Town. Built during the ninth century with a Byzantine architecture style, the cathedral is considered a must-visit for anyone who comes to Amalfi. Today the Duomo is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque style, with an imposing staircase that leads to a 1,000-year-old bronze door that was given to the town by a wealthy local merchant who had the door made in Constantinople - modern-day Istanbul. Follow a one-way route around its interior which includes relics of Saint Andrew, the Apostle (the patron saint of Amalfi), the crypt and the cloister.

Capri, Guided

Enjoy unforgettable scenarios and pure beauty on this tour of Capri island. Travel by hydrofoil to the island of Capri before boarding a private traditional motor-boat to enjoy the Mediterranean at its best: powerful nature, cliffs overhanging a dark blue sea and white-washed villas. Walk with your guide across beautiful gardens and ancient roads. Take some time at leisure for fancy shopping or for a nice lunch. In Capri, there is satisfaction for every taste!

Take a boat trip around the island to reach this mystical Blue grotto cave.

Named the Grotto Azzurra in Italian (Blue Grotto), this famous sea cave is a popular trip from Capri by boat. Sunlight passing through the small entrance creates a bright blue water grotto which is only accessible by a small rowing boat. Lie down flat in the boat, pass through the entrance and awe at the aqua colours of this natural wonder.

Capri, Guided

Enjoy unforgettable scenarios and pure beauty on this tour of Capri island. Travel by hydrofoil to the island of Capri before boarding a private traditional motor-boat to enjoy the Mediterranean at its best: powerful nature, cliffs overhanging a dark blue sea and white-washed villas. Walk with your guide across beautiful gardens and ancient roads. Take some time at leisure for fancy shopping or for a nice lunch. In Capri, there is satisfaction for every taste!

Take a boat trip around the island to reach this mystical Blue grotto cave.

Named the Grotto Azzurra in Italian (Blue Grotto), this famous sea cave is a popular trip from Capri by boat. Sunlight passing through the small entrance creates a bright blue water grotto which is only accessible by a small rowing boat. Lie down flat in the boat, pass through the entrance and awe at the aqua colours of this natural wonder.

Private Transfer to Naples Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Naples Capodichino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Naples Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Naples Capodichino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Naples Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Naples Capodichino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Private Transfer to Naples Airport

A private transfer service will pick you up from the N/A and take you directly to Naples Capodichino Airport. This is a private transfer for you and your travel party. You do not need to pay the driver as the cost of the transfer is included in your itinerary.   IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.